During Baby Loss Awareness Week in October, an islander will be shaving her head to raise funds for two charities that are close to her heart.
Last year Siobhan lost her baby 8 weeks into pregnancy. “A year on, I have met so many lovely inspirational people who have had losses too and cannot thank Jo, founder of Philip’s Footprints, enough for her support during this difficult time.
“I’m very excited but bricking it at the same time! It’s all good – it’s hair and it’ll grow back. All monies we’re raising are going to two fabulous charities who do so many good things for parents who have lost little ones. I also think that it’s a good time to raise more awareness around the subject of pregnancy loss/miscarriage as it’s such a taboo subject and not we need to ensure that these charities are looked after and can still help those in need. You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence, you will get through this and there is help out there.”
Siobhan hopes to raise £1,000 for local baby loss and safer pregnancy charity Philip’s Footprints and UK charity the Miscarriage Association and nearly halfway to her target already.
The head shave will take place after an evening charity pub quiz at St Lawrence Pub, on 11th October. Each year, around 850 babies are born in Jersey. For most, it is a joyous occasion bringing new life into the world. But some families do not get to take their much wanted babies home and instead can be left with a devastating and profound heartbreak. In the UK it is estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss.
Philip’s Footprints provide support to those affected by the loss of a baby or child, offering comfort in memory boxes, remembrance services, bereavement counselling and one to one support as well as regular support meetings. Since being founded in 2008 the charity has donated over 400 memory boxes and have given 60 early miscarriage memory boxes to Rayner Clinic so far this year.
The Miscarriage Association offers support, information and funds research into the causes and prevention of miscarriage.
The fundraising link for Siobhan is can be found here.
